DRDO Achieves Major Breakthrough in Hypersonic Weapon Technology

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a long-duration ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor for over 1,000 seconds, marking a pivotal step in India’s hypersonic cruise missile development. This breakthrough positions India among a select group of nations advancing rapidly in next-generation missile systems.

Summary

• DRDO successfully tested a scramjet combustor for 1,000 seconds, a significant leap from the 120-second test in January 2025.
• Conducted by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
• This development will soon pave the way for flight-worthy hypersonic missile testing.
• Scramjets are air-breathing engines that enable cruise missiles to fly at hypersonic speeds (above Mach 5, i.e., 6,100 kmph).
• These engines use atmospheric oxygen rather than onboard oxidizers, reducing weight and increasing efficiency.

1. What is a Scramjet?

• Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet): A type of air-breathing jet engine that allows combustion at supersonic speeds.
• Unlike rockets, it doesn’t carry oxidizer; uses atmospheric air, reducing launch weight.
• Scramjets only function beyond Mach 5, making them suitable for hypersonic cruise missiles.

2. Hypersonic Cruise Missiles

• These are next-generation missiles capable of sustained flight at hypersonic speeds.
• Offer high maneuverability, low radar visibility, and unmatched speed, making them extremely difficult to intercept.
• Potentially deployable from aircraft, land, or sea-based platforms.
• Ideal for precision strike capabilities in high-conflict zones or strategic warfare scenarios.

3. DRDO’s Achievement

• The test proves long-duration combustion stability, a key technical hurdle in scramjet technology.
• Validates both design and ground test infrastructure.
• Enables India to move toward full-scale flight trials, possibly making India the fourth country after the U.S., Russia, and China to have indigenous hypersonic cruise missile capability.

4. Importance for India

• Enhances strategic deterrence.
• Critical for future defence preparedness in line with emerging global warfare technologies.
• Boosts self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in advanced defence systems.
• Potential applications beyond missiles: space plane technology, reusable launch vehicles, hypersonic reconnaissance.

5. Relevance to RAS Mains

• Topics in Science and Technology, Internal and External Security, and Defence Research in India.
• Exam connects this to:
  • Make in India in Defence
  • DRDO's role in national security
  • Technological advancements for strategic superiority
• Important for interview questions related to:
  • India’s hypersonic program vs global players
  • Role of Hyderabad-based DRDL in national defence
  • Use of indigenous technology in modern warfare

Conclusion

India’s hypersonic program has taken a significant leap with DRDO's successful long-duration scramjet test. This milestone not only bolsters India's national security framework but also reinforces its status as an emerging global defence innovator. With upcoming full-scale flight tests, India is inching closer to fielding hypersonic cruise missile systems—a domain currently led by only a few countries.

MCQs for Practice

1. What is the minimum speed a missile must travel to be classified as hypersonic?

(a) Mach 2

(b) Mach 3

(c) Mach 5

(d) Mach 10

Answer: (c) Mach 5

2. Which DRDO lab developed the scramjet combustor tested for 1,000 seconds in April 2025?

(a) RCI, Hyderabad

(b) GTRE, Bengaluru

(c) DRDL, Hyderabad

(d) ARDE, Pune

Answer: (c) DRDL, Hyderabad